The Ribera del Duero Crianza 1996 from Condado de Haza is a remarkable wine from one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions, the Ribera del Duero. Condado de Haza is a winery founded by Alejandro Fernández, the visionary winemaker behind the renowned Pesquera winery. His goal was to produce high-quality wines that respect the region's traditions while utilizing modern winemaking techniques.

The 1996 vintage in the Ribera del Duero was generally good, with a cool spring and a warm, dry summer that allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Condado de Haza's Crianza is made primarily from Tempranillo grapes, also known locally as Tinta del País. This grape variety is native to the Ribera del Duero and is known for its ability to produce powerful yet elegant wines.

The 1996 vintage displays a deep ruby ​​red color in the glass, which has faded slightly to garnet over time. The nose reveals a complex bouquet with aromas of ripe dark fruits such as cherries and blackberries, accompanied by spicy notes such as vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of leather and tobacco, developed through aging in American oak. On the palate, the wine displays a balanced structure with well-integrated tannins and a pleasant acidity that gives the wine freshness. The fruit flavors are still present, but they are harmoniously blended with the secondary and tertiary aromas developed through the long aging. The finish is long and pleasant, with a lingering spice and light smoky notes.